Anarkali is a 1953 Hindi
historical drama film directed by Nandlal Jaswantlal and based on the
historical legend of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. As per the legend Jahangir
revolted against his father Akbar over his love for a common girl called
Anarkali.

Shahenshah Jalaudin Akbar is
the grandson of Babur, and the son of Humayun. He is known to have ruled over
Hindustan with a humane and just heart. He knew in order to garner the
support of the Hindus, he must treat them sensitively, allow them to worship freely,
and in order to maintain this peace, he married Jodabai, a Hindu Rajput, the
sister of Raja Man Singh. Through this marriage they became the proud parents
of Shehzada Salim. Akbar first met Nadira in the Anar garden, while she was
awaiting the arrival of her lover. So pleased he was with her that he wanted
to reward her, but she only asked for an Anar, so he ended up bestowing her
with the name of 'Anarkali'. He met her the second time when she was able to
revive Salim, who was seriously wounded in a war in Kabul. Once again Akbar
was pleased with her, wanted to reward her, but again she turned him down.
The third time she ended up annoying Akbar when she sang and danced in his
court under the influence of alcohol, and he has her imprisoned. The very foundations
of Akbar's palace will be shaken to the roots, and his manner of meting out
justice will be put to the extreme test, when he finds out that Salim is in
love with Anarkali and wants to marry her. While Akbar may have been
successful to end the strife between Hindus and Muslims, but will be able to
break down the wall between the rich and the poor?